According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, India’s road accident scenario is alarming with an average of 415 fatalities and several injuries per day. In 2021 alone, the reported deaths due to road accidents exceeded 1.5 lakh, a continuing trend over several years. Statistics from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) show that 1.9% of these deaths were attributed to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Disturbingly, almost 90% of fatalities were caused by speeding, dangerous driving, and reckless overtaking.
As revealed by the World Bank data from 2019, India ranked first among the top 20 countries most affected by road accidents.
Factors Contributing to Road Accidents
The leading causes for such high rates of road accidents include infrastructural deficits like poor road conditions, inadequate visibility, and flawed road design. The prevalence of single lanes with sharp turns also pose a great risk. Over-speeding, driving under the influence, riding without a helmet, and neglecting seat-belts are common risks. Additional causes include using mobile phones while driving, overloading vehicles to save on transportation costs, and weak vehicle safety standards. An alarming revelation from crash tests conducted by the Global New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) in 2014 highlighted that some of India’s top-selling car models failed the UN’s frontal impact crash test. A notable lack of awareness regarding safety features like airbags and Anti-lock Braking Systems also plays a significant role.
Economic and Social Effects of Road Accidents
The economic impact of road accidents is substantial, costing the Indian economy between 3 to 5 percent of its GDP each year. On a social level, every road accident death drains almost seven months’ household income in low-income families, pushing the bereaved family members into a vicious cycle of poverty and debt. The burden on Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) is disproportionately large – they account for more than half of all road accident deaths and severe injuries. It’s often the male road-users of working age, especially those from economically weaker sections, who fall under this category. Women also bear the brunt of these accidents, often assuming additional work, greater responsibilities, and caregiving activities.
Steps to Improve Road Safety
Suggestions to resolve this crisis include setting up road safety zones, establishing a new tiered administrative structure, installing speed-detection devices, improving safety measures, and promoting better Centre-State coordination. However, the efficacy of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, which increased fines for traffic violations, has been questioned due to the limited capacity of average Indians to pay these hefty fines.
Global and National Initiatives for Road Safety
Globally, steps have been taken such as the Brasilia Declaration on Road Safety, Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, and the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP). India has its own set of initiatives like the Motor Vehicles Amendment Act, 2019, the Carriage by Road Act, 2007, and the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2000. All these aim to enhance road safety and reduce accidents. Nonetheless, for a significant change in the road safety scenario in India, continued efforts and strict adherence to these rules are necessary.
